How to Use A Hamster Ball

Some hamster balls power dragsters

Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly ... and hamsters gotta run. In the wild, hamsters run up to two miles per night in gathering food. When a hamster doesn't run, it is more prone to being destructive and getting sick. Hamster balls are a great way to let your furry friend get his exercise and get you an incredible laugh. A hamster ball is a great enrichment experience for your hamster. Here's how to use one.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hamster
• Hamster ball
• Pet-safe cleaner
• White vinegar

1. Choose a hamster ball that your hamster will fit in comfortably—smaller balls for dwarf breeds. Buy a hamster ball with ventilation slots, not just any plastic ball.

2. Open and close the lid several times before dropping your hamster in. In this way, you won't jiggle your furry friend about too much.

3. Choose a time when you or a human helper can supervise your hamster's play and when the hamster is awake. Since hamsters are nocturnal, they are generally more active at night, particularly dusk.

4. Gently pick up your hamster and place her into the hamster ball.

5. Click the lid back on and place the ball on the floor. Most hamsters get the idea very quickly, but might curl up in a ball if frightened.

6. Supervise your hamster's ball travels. Be sure the hamster doesn't escape. Watching your hamster in a ball is often better than television.

7. After 10 or 15 minutes—or if your hamster's fur starts to stick up and the body curls up suddenly—remove him from the hamster ball and place him back in the cage. The air in a hamster ball often runs out after 15 minutes, even with ventilation slots. Your hamster can have a another go later in the night or day, if he looks lively enough.

8. Wash out the hamster ball with hot water and a drop or two of white vinegar, then let it air dry. Hamsters will often poop or pee in the hamster ball.

Tips & Warnings

• If your hamster is pregnant or doesn't like to be picked up, take the lid off of the hamster ball and place some food inside of it. Place the open hamster ball near the hamster and let her enter when she is good and ready.

• Never let your hamster play in the ball without you being there to watch him.

• Never let your hamster stay in the ball more than 15 minutes, as the air starts to get stuffy.

• Never assume your hamster can't figure out how to get out of the ball. Hamsters are incredibly intelligent!

Resources

• Keeping a hamster in good health
• Toys for hamsters
• Choosing safe hamster toys
• DIY pet-safe cleaners